Toonscape Merges with MyComix.com to Form Largest Virtual Gallery and Business Center for Comic Book Artists, Cartoonists, Illustrators, and Animators

San Diego, Calif. (Apr 26, 2000)

Merged company seeks to empower artists with online syndication services, artist management, digital publishing and e-commerce tools

Toonscape, a virtual gallery and "Artist Service Provider" today announced that it will merge with MyComix.com, one of the largest comic strip warehouses on the web. MyComix.com co-founder Heath Silverman called the merger, "the next logical step in the evolution of the comic strip industry." According to Silverman, "Being an online showcase of comic strips and great talent is not enough. Artists need to be able to sell and distribute and syndicate their work. Toonscape gives artists high visibility and all the business services they need to grow their fan base and make some money."

The Toonscape web site allows amateur and professional comic book artists, cartoonists, illustrators, and animators to post their portfolio on the site free of charge. Toonscape artists can then utilize a variety of business and marketing support services to promote themselves and sell their work. Toonscape also will enable enthusiasts and consumers to conveniently find artists, review their portfolios, and purchase digital or hard copies of their work.

"What downloadable digital music did for new and independent musicians, Toonscape is doing for comic book artists, cartoonists, illustrators and animators," said Ken Morgan, President and CEO of Toonscape. "With advanced digital publishing technologies, e-commerce tools and marketing support services, Toonscape is creating an artist's revolution."

According to Morgan, "Toonscape will serve as a marketing and e-commerce partner to independent artists who may not have the resources or marketing expertise to promote and distribute their own work. A lot of artists and small studios have their own sites where they display samples of their work, but seldom do they actively promote themselves or electronically facilitate retail transactions. We want talented artists to get noticed, be able to sell their work, and get to the next level."

R.K. Post, Toonscape-featured artist and fantasy illustrator calls the Toonscape concept long overdue. "Good artists will have a fighting chance with Toonscape. Many of us would like to have the backing of a big studio or publisher, but these are hard to get into. Toonscape helps artists get their foot in the door," said Post. "Toonscape is all about helping the artist build a name for themselves."

Doug Miers, another Toonscape-featured artist and the creator of Comics Conspiracy, an online comic book, compared the Toonscape model to the revolution in digital music. "It used to be you needed a big label next to your name to get your work out there and get noticed, but that's not the case anymore," said Miers. "Toonscape is like having your very own gallery and personal agent - only it doesn't cost anything."

The Toonscape Gallery features artists from a wide variety of disciplines and styles. Artwork is displayed in the custom-designed Toonscape Gallery and sorted by a variety of categories and genres for easy searching. There is no cost to the public or to the artist for placing their work in the Gallery. Additional services available to artists will include online syndication services, e-mail accounts, production resources, industry news, and networking opportunities. Digital comic book publishing and conference registration are scheduled to be available later this year.